Schools in England to receive £740m boost for pupils with special educational needs

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, highlighted the importance of these changes, saying:

The current picture is stark. For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate. We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and will work closely with local authorities, schools and families to ensure inclusion is at the heart of learning.

This funding comes as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) £6.7bn capital funding for schools announced in the autumn budget.

The £740m investment will focus on two key areas:

• Adapting classrooms for accessibility: Schools will receive support to make classrooms more inclusive for pupils with SEND, which may include installing ramps, lifts, or soundproofing.
• Creating specialist units within mainstream schools: These units will provide focused, tailored support for children with more complex needs, acting as a bridge between mainstream education and specialist schools.

The initiative aims to alleviate the overwhelming demand for places in state special schools by enabling more children with SEND to stay in mainstream schools closer to home.

The DfE estimates that “thousands of pupils” will benefit from this funding, which will also relieve local councils of the financial strain caused by paying for private SEND school placements due to the lack of state-provided spaces.

The number of children requiring SEND support has surged in recent years. More than 576,000 children in England now have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a statutory document outlining the extra help they need. However, the rise in demand has outpaced the capacity of both mainstream and specialist schools.

Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, noted:

There simply isn’t enough capacity in either mainstream or special schools to offer all children with additional needs the support they deserve. While this funding will be welcomed by mainstream schools, it must be just the beginning of sustained investment.

Similarly, Leora Cruddas, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts, acknowledged that while the funding is a positive step, broader systemic reforms are essential to address the challenges faced by SEND pupils and their families.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from parents, educators, and advocacy groups. While many welcome the Government’s focus on SEND support, concerns remain over whether the funding will be sufficient to address existing disparities.

Reports from headteachers reveal that schools are grappling with costly repairs and upgrades to ensure accessibility. For instance, one school in West Yorkshire highlighted that fixing a single broken lift could cost upwards of £250,000—far exceeding its budget.

Advocates for SEND reform also stress that alongside funding, the Government must prioritise streamlining the often-fragmented system of support, which can leave families feeling isolated and underserved.

The £740m funding pledge is a significant step towards making England’s schools more inclusive for children with SEND. However, its success will depend on how the money is allocated and whether it translates into meaningful improvements for pupils and their families.

As schools, local authorities, and parents navigate these changes, the focus must remain on building a system where every child has access to the support they need to thrive.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether this funding marks the start of sustained investment and reform—or just a temporary patch for a deeply strained system.

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